More than $7 Million Donated to UNCW in 2005-06
7/5/2006 10:13:43 AM
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Wilmington, N.C. - The University of North Carolina Wilmington received $7,277,042 from donors during the 2005-06 fiscal year that ended June 30. That amount is the largest UNCW has received from private donations in a single fiscal year, exceeding the previous year's fund-raising record by $1,780,805.
"Total gifts to UNCW are 32 percent higher than last year," said Krista Tillman, chair of the Board of Trustees. "The university achieved this phenomenal success through a winning combination of leadership from Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo and the senior officers, dedication from UNCW faculty and staff, and genuine commitment from thousands of supporters, including the Board of Trustees."
Surpassing a goal of 13 percent, alumni comprised the most generous category of donors to UNCW. With approximately 40,000 active alumni contributing $1,176,305 more than the previous year, total alumni giving reached $2,194,250 for fiscal year 2005-06.
"The generous contributions UNCW received from alumni and friends this year affirms their confidence in the university and its mission to provide students with the highest quality learning experiences through excellence in teaching, scholarship, research, artistic achievement, and service," Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo said.
As a public university, UNCW receives about 35 percent of its operating budget from the state. Philanthropy provides an indispensable source of support for the university. In 2005-06, donors contributed to a variety of programs across campus, including academics, athletics, research, student affairs and public service. They established 51 new scholarships; 31 are merit based. Increasing scholarship support for students is a key initiative for the university.
"I appreciate each and every gift the university receives from our donors," Chancellor DePaolo said. "I am especially grateful for these new scholarships, which will make the UNCW educational experience more affordable for more students."
Mary Gornto, vice chancellor of the Division for University Advancement, credited the increase in fundraising support to several factors, including:
• Expansion of the annual phonathon from one semester to two;
• The emphasis on scholarships, an area of charitable giving that is particularly appealing to donors;
• Database improvements that enabled the university to contact more donors for support; and
• The assistance Advancement receives from faculty and staff across campus in creating and sustaining strong relationships with donors.
"The university genuinely appreciates the generous contributions faculty and staff made during the year," Gornto said. They gave $135,917 to the university through the Faculty-Staff Campaign, a 16.2 percent increase compared to fiscal year 2004-05.
"When alumni and friends give to UNCW, they know they are supporting a university that is nationally recognized for its distinctive combination of outstanding teaching and student participation in research and service initiatives," Gornto said. "By giving to UNCW, donors enhance the future for our students and advance the quality of life in our region by helping the university fulfill its mission."
Media contact: Andrea Weaver, marketing and communications manager, 910/962-7631 or weavera@uncw.edu
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